10 Tips for Moving in Winter in Calgary, AB

Moving is consistently ranked as one of life’s most tense events. 

Now, imagine adding a classic Calgary winter to the mix: snow-covered driveways, icy roads, and temperatures that can plummet without warning. 

The thought alone is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Moving in Calgary during winter definitely has its own challenges. 

Still, with meticulous planning, the right resources, and a strategic approach, you can transform a potentially chaotic day into a manageable move.

This comprehensive guide, based on years of experience in the Calgary moving industry, offers you 11 essential tips to successfully manage your move while keeping your belongings, home, and sanity intact.

1. Book Your Professional Movers Well in Advance

Booking a mover well in advance is the best way to start.

In Calgary’s highly competitive moving market, finding a reputable company is vital, especially in winter. 

For a local move, plan for 2-4 weeks, and for a long-distance move, book your mover at least 3-6 months ahead. 

Professional Calgary movers have the expertise, training, and specialized equipment to manage cold temperatures and slippery conditions. 

They know how to navigate icy stairs safely, load trucks securely to prevent shifting on slick roads, and use the appropriate floor runners and blankets to protect your home. 

2. Monitor The Harsh Weather in Calgary 

Calgary’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. 

A sunny Chinook’s day can turn into a blustery blizzard within hours. 

Your first step in a winter moving plan should be to monitor the long-range forecast as your moving date approaches. 

It’s not uncommon for winter temperatures to drop into the −20∘°C to −30∘°C range. When a major cold snap hits, a moving plan needs to be even more robust.

Look for a day with the mildest possible temperatures and minimal snowfall. 

Be prepared to be flexible; if a significant storm is forecasted, discuss a backup plan with your movers. 

How to Transport Special Items During Winter Moves

Electronics and Glassware

When packing fragile kitchen items, electronics, LCD TVs, and glass tabletops, remember that they are susceptible to damage from extreme temperature changes. 

It’s best to transport them in a heated vehicle. 

You need moving blankets or bubble wrap to provide insulation.

Moving with Plants

Most indoor plants cannot withstand a harsh, cold environment and should be transported in a warm vehicle. 

The ones kept in ceramic pots can be easily replaced with recyclable, lightweight alternatives when relocating plants. 

Appliances Containing Liquids

Drain water from any appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and a fish tank.  

Be mindful of items with liquids, such as snow globes, paint, or certain cleaners, as they can freeze and burst.

Having this conversation early gives you peace of mind and allows for a quick, safe pivot if necessary.

3. Clear Your Path and Use Salt 

On moving day, your property will see heavy foot traffic. 

Before the moving truck arrives, ensure all pathways, stairs, and driveways are entirely free of snow and ice. 

This isn’t just to speed up the process, but to prevent serious injuries on moving day. 

Keep a shovel and a bag of salt or sand nearby for any last-minute clearing. This small step can significantly improve everyone’s safety.

How to De-Ice Your Driveways 

Magnesium Chloride / Calcium Chloride

These chemical salts are highly effective at melting ice, working in extreme cold as low as −29°C (-20°F). They create a brine that quickly breaks the bond between ice and the pavement.

While powerful, they can be corrosive to concrete and harmful to plants, so they should be used sparingly.

Epsom Salts

As a gentler alternative, Epsom salts are a more eco-friendly option when moving with pets and plants. They are less powerful and work best in milder temperatures or on thin layers of ice.

4. Protect Your Floors 

Expect a trail of slush, dirt, and salt when moving your house in winter. 

To avoid this mess and protect your floors from damage, lay down plastic sheeting, floor protectors, old rugs, or cardboard runners in high-traffic areas, from the front door to the main living spaces. 

Create a clean area where movers can remove their wet shoes and a designated dirty area for quick access to the truck. 

This simple strategy will save you hours of post-move cleaning.

5. Ensure Your Utilities are Functional

Imagine settling into your new home after a long, cold day of moving, only to find the heat isn’t working. 

It’s a nightmare scenario. Before moving day, make sure all utilities, especially electricity and gas, are connected at your new address. 

A heated environment is essential for both the moving crew and your belongings. 

Extreme cold can damage certain items, and a warm, well-lit space makes for a much more comfortable and efficient unloading process.

While electricity and gas are the top priorities, don’t overlook your water supply. 

You’ll need it for a much-needed warm shower after a long day of moving, and you’ll want to ensure all pipes are working and not frozen from being shut off. 

It’s advisable to contact the electricity and gas provider in Calgary at least a few weeks in advance to schedule the connection of your services to avoid any unpleasant surprises during last-minute moving stress.

6. Pack with a Waterproof Mentality

Traditional cardboard boxes are a poor choice for a winter move. 

They can quickly absorb moisture from melting snow, causing them to weaken, sag, and potentially fall apart. 

When you’re packing for a winter move, opt for sturdy, waterproof plastic bins. 

Why You Should Pick Waterproof Bins

When buying moving boxes, consider investing in plastic, waterproof boxes for an effective winter move. Here’s why: 

Ensures Protection 

Plastic bins with secure, snap-on lids provide a formidable barrier against moisture. 

Unlike cardboard, which can become soggy and collapse, plastic bins remain strong and keep your items dry, even if they are briefly set down in a puddle of melting snow or if a mover slips and drops a box.

Durability and Reusability

Plastic bins are built to last. They won’t tear, crush, or fall apart under heavy loads or in frigid temperatures, making them a wise long-term investment.

After your move, they can be used for organizing items in your storage unit, or in your garage, or closet, providing a clean, moisture-resistant solution for years to come.

Stackable and Secure

The uniform shape and rigid structure of plastic bins make them easy to stack securely in a moving truck, maximizing space and preventing items from shifting. 

Their locking lids also ensure that contents won’t spill out, offering peace of mind when packing valuable items.

7. Insulate Your Fragile and Delicate Items

The freezing temperatures can cause materials to become brittle and susceptible to breakage. 

Give your delicate items an extra layer of protection. 

Wrap glassware, ceramics, and other fragile belongings in plenty of bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. 

This insulation will protect them from both impact and the cold. 

Remember to clearly label your boxes “Fragile” to ensure they are handled with the utmost care.

Moving pianos or electronic items becomes tricky during winter, as they are susceptible to temperature fluctuations. 

It’s best to transport them in a climate-controlled vehicle. 

If not, pack them with extra insulation and give them a few hours to acclimate to the new home’s temperature before you turn them on. 

This prevents condensation from forming and damaging the internal components.

8. Handle Temperature-Sensitive Items Carefully

Some of your belongings are particularly vulnerable to the cold. 

Electronics, for example, can be permanently damaged by condensation that forms when they are moved from cold to warm temperatures. 

Wrap gadgets in thermal blankets and transport them in your personal, heated vehicle whenever possible. 

When they arrive at the new home, leave them in their boxes to acclimate to the room temperature for several hours before you plug them in. 

This is a critical step to prevent costly damage. 

Similarly, sensitive items like house plants should be transported in a warm car and brought inside immediately.

9. Have an “Essentials Box” Handy

Moving day is hectic. 

The last thing you want is to be digging through dozens of boxes for a phone charger, a pair of scissors, or a warm pair of gloves.

Prepare a dedicated “first-night” essentials box that travels with you. 

This should include warm clothing, toiletries, medications, snacks, essential documents, and any tools you’ll need right away. 

For a winter move in Calgary, don’t forget to include a small bag of salt, a shovel, and extra batteries.

10. Loading the Moving Truck in Winter 

Believe it or not, how a moving truck is loaded becomes even more critical in winter. 

Movers will strategically load heavier items first to improve weight distribution, which enhances the truck’s stability and traction on snowy or icy roads. 

You can assist by making sure your Calgary movers have a clear path and by mentioning any items that need extra care. 

If you’re moving into or out of an apartment, reserve your elevator and secure access to the loading dock. 

This helps your Calgary apartment movers load items into the truck without worrying about delays, especially on a snowy day. 

A kind gesture, like offering a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate, can also keep the crew warm and motivated.

3 Common Winter Moving Mistakes To Avoid 

A successful move is often defined by what you avoid doing. Here are three common mistakes to steer clear of:

Underestimating the Timeline

Winter conditions naturally slow everything down. Give yourself and your movers extra time to complete the job, avoiding the rush and potential accidents. A reasonable moving timeline falls between 3 and 6 months.

With plenty of time available, you can book Calgary storage services, organize the necessary moving supplies and packing materials, and choose the right moving company. 

Neglecting Floor Protection

It might seem like a small detail, but skipping floor runners can cause big messes and costly damage. A wet, slippery floor is a safety hazard. 

Using non-slip runners gives your movers better traction as they carry heavy loads through your home, helping to prevent slips, trips, and falls that could injure them and damage your belongings. 

Plugging in Appliances Too Soon

As with electronics, appliances like refrigerators and freezers need time to acclimate to a new environment. 

Plugging them in too quickly can damage the compressor. Wait a few hours, or as long as recommended by the manufacturer.

5 Additional Tips for Cross-Country Moves From Calgary in Winter

Beyond the basics of prepping your car and planning your route, these extra steps can make your winter drive for long-distance moves from Calgary safer and more efficient.

1. Service Your Vehicle

Get a full service before departure, check the battery, antifreeze, defroster, and brakes. Install proper winter tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol; they’re mandatory on many B.C. highways and perform better than all-seasons below -7°C.

2. Route Planning

Plan both a primary and backup route. The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) is prone to snow and avalanche closures, while Hwy 2 (QEII) often experiences black ice. When you move from Calgary to Vancouver, use 511 Alberta and DriveBC for live updates.

3. Road Closures

Expect seasonal closures in areas like Kananaskis (December–June) and sudden shutdowns on mountain passes. Always confirm road status through provincial websites before heading out.

4. Emergency Gear

Carry winter-specific gear: snow chains (required in parts of B.C.), shovel, ice scraper, road salt or kitty litter, blankets, food, water, and a candle in a tin for emergency heat.

5. Safety Buffer

Add at least 50% to your estimated travel time on your moving checklist. Winter drives can take anywhere from 10 to 15 hours. Drive well below posted speed limits, triple your following distance, and make frequent stops to clear your windshield.

Wrapping Up

A winter move in Calgary can feel tough, but with the right Calgary winter moving tips, preparation, and safety measures, it’s completely doable. By planning, properly preparing your vehicle, and being flexible with road conditions, you can stay relaxed about the move to your new home, even during the coldest months.

FAQs

1. Is it a good idea to move in the winter?

Yes, moving in the winter can be a good idea if you prepare correctly. Demand for moving services is usually lower, which can mean more flexible scheduling and lower rates. The main challenges are icy roads, heavy snow, and short daylight hours, so careful planning and winter-ready equipment are essential.

2. What month is the coldest in Calgary?

January is typically the coldest month in Calgary, with average daily highs around -3°C and lows dropping to -15°C. Cold snaps can push temperatures below -30°C, though warm Chinook winds can occasionally bring sudden, brief thaws.

3. How much do movers cost in Calgary?

The cost to hire local movers in Calgary usually ranges between $139 and $150 per hour on average. This rate generally covers two movers and one truck, with the total cost depending on how many hours the move takes to finish. 

Expect to pay between $470 and $3,500 for a local move, and from $850 to $7,200 for a long-distance move. These estimates reflect average prices; the final cost depends on the number of rooms, movers, services you choose, and the distance. 

4. How much do movers cost for a Vancouver to Calgary move?

Hiring movers for a Calgary to Vancouver move usually costs between $1,668 and $8,950, with similar prices for moves going the other way. 

The final cost depends on factors like the number of movers, lodging and meal expenses, move complexity, home size, storage needs, and whether packing services are included.

5. What are the best and worst months to move?

The best and worst months to move help you take advantage of discounts and plan your budget correctly. 

The ideal time to move in Calgary is from May to September, when the weather is mild and roads are clear, although demand and prices usually climb. 

The toughest months are December through February, with cold temperatures, snow, and icy roads making moving more difficult, even if costs are lower.